Press/Media - Zonit Structured Solutions

Press Releases (see details further below)

Press Contact & Media Kit

Zonit Structured Solutions welcomes inquiries from the media, whether you need company information, a photo or an interview, expert comment for a quote or "on background", or to arrange for a supplied article, sidebar, or speaking engagement. For information or arrange an interview, please contact Zonit's Agency of Record:

DeWinterComm, Courtney DeWinter, 303.572.8180, and Courtney@DeWinterComm.com

Online Press Kit: Company Overview

Conference & Trade Show Attendance

Sept 12-13, 2011 -- AFCOM/Data Center World - Fall 2011, Orlando, FL

Recent:
- June 2, 2011 -- Data Center Transformation Summit, Reston VI
- May 9-12, 2011 -- Uptime Institute Sysposium: "The Distrupted Data Center." - Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA.
- April 28, 2011 -- Network World "IT Roadmap" Conference, Denver, CO
- March 29-30, 2011 -- AFCOM/Data Center World - Spring 2011
- Sept. 13-15, 2010 -- 451 Group, Hosting & Cloud Transformation Summit, Las Vegas, NV
- Oct. 4-6, 2010 --AFCOM/Data Center World, Las Vegas, NV

News -Details

November 2011: Data Center Knowledge reviews Zonit's new uATS-HV Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

Closer Look: Zonit MicroATS Transfer Switch

Zonit Structured Solutions makes power distribution systems for data centers, along with automatic transfer switches (ATS) that provides power redundancy at the rack level. At the recent Data Center World Fall conference, we spoke with Ric Lukasiewicz, the VP of Marketing and Sales for Zonit, who gave us an overview of the company’s MicroATS product. This video runs about 4 minutes, 30 seconds.

September 2011: Zonit is Awarded Patent on Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

Zonit Structured Solutions Gains Patent For Its New Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

USPTO grants Zonit patent. Additional foreign filings are in process

Zonit Structured Solutions (www.zonit.com), a provider of “to” and “at-the-rack” products for data centers in power management and rack management, today announced that its new Micro Automatic Transfer Switch (μATS™) – a micro automatic power transfer switch for data centers, network-telecom closets, and medical equipment -- has received approval for its patent from the United States Patent & Trademark office. The Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch is available in 120-volt and 208-240-volt models.

The Zonit μATS™ takes no rack space, and provides redundant “A-B” power to singlepower-supply devices such as servers and routers. It also facilitates fast, easy “hot moves” of equipment – in the rack, from rack to rack, or from rack to off-site. This device also is ideal for providing redundant power for devices used in network and telecom closets.

The Zonit μATS™ plugs directly into the back of single-power-supply devices (such as
servers, routers, and switches). It features two power cords and intelligent circuitry that
monitors the power quality of the primary power source. If the primary “A-source” power
quality becomes unacceptable, the Zonit μATS™ automatically switches over and draws
power from the back-up “B-source,” thus keeping the device to which it’s connected up and
running.

“Receiving this patent is a significant milestone for Zonit, and it will ensure that Zonit has the only solution of this type, i.e. an ultra-small-form-factor automatic power transfer switch that takes no rack space,” commented Zonit Chairman & Founder Bill Pachoud. “This type of device and the functions it provides are in high demand, and will demonstrate Zonit’s ability to bring new technologies to market that are unique, and which will fill needs that currently have been unmet.”

The Zonit μATS™ is available through multiple Zonit channel partners. To purchase the product, contact Zonit Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ric Lukasiewicz at 720.266.0056. “The Zonit Micro ATS enables certain types of power distribution topologies that haven’t been used to this point, but which are sorely needed by data center managers and network-telecom closet managers seeking a way to provide redundant power to missioncritical devices that only have one power supply,” said Mr. Lukasiewicz.

August 2011: Zonit Expands with 208-240 volt Version of Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

Zonit Structured Solutions Introduces 240-volt, small-footprint, “zero U” automatic transfer switch for data centers provides redundant power for single-power-supply devices (servers, etc.), reduces power losses of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units & facilitates fast, easy “hot moves” of equipment

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 17, 2011 – Zonit Structured Solutions (www.Zonit.com), a provider of power management and rack management products for data centers and telecom-network closets, today introduced a new member of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch product family: the Zonit Micro ATS-HV (HV = “high voltage). The Zonit Micro ATS-HV is a 208-240-volt, ultra-small-form-factor (zero “U”) automatic power transfer switch designed for use in data centers and network/telecom closets.

The first Zonit μATS™-LV (low-voltage model) was introduced in late 2010, and is a 12-amp, 120-volt version. The new high-voltage version is available for $419.00 in single-purchase; $398.05 per unit for the respective $3,980.50 for a 10-pack; and $9,951.25 for a 25-pack. It will be available for shipment in September 2011.

Special “Early Adopter” Pricing Available Through Sept. 30, 2011

In addition, Zonit Structured Solutions is offering special “early adopter” pricing. The first 1,000 Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch-HV models purchased by Sept. 30, 2011 will be priced at a special “early adopter” price of $369.00 for a single unit; $361.62/unit, or $3,616.20 for a 10-pack; and $350.55/unit, or$8,763.75, for 25-packs.

The Zonit μATS™-HV is available through multiple Zonit channel partners. To purchase the product, call Zonit Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ric Lukasiewicz at 720.266.0056.

Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch-HV: Up Close and Personal

The Zonit μATS™-HV plugs directly into the back of single-power-supply devices (such as servers, routers, and switches). It features two power cords and intelligent circuitry that monitors the power quality of the main power source. If the main “A-source” power quality becomes unacceptable, the Zonit μATS™-HV automatically switches over and draws power from the “B-source,” thus keeping the device to which it’s connected up and running.

“Power transmission is more efficient at higher voltages, and more and more new and refurbished data centers are running 208-240-volt power instead of 120-volt,” explained Zonit Chairman & Founder Bill Pachoud. “We have the 120-volt solution with the currently available μATS™-LV. The introduction of the μATS™-HV 208-240-volt version of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer means that data centers running 208-240-volt power will be able to get redundant power for single-power-supply devices as well as handle hot moves of equipment more quickly and easily. In addition, data center managers & network-telecom closet managers can gain this functionality with a device the size of a cell phone which provides redundant power but takes no rack space,” said Pachoud.

Benefits of the Zonit μATS™-HV

Provides convenient redundant power for single-power-corded devices
Allows the usage of uniform A-B power everywhere in the data center (Eliminates the need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices)
Enables 99%+ efficient power distribution designs for data centers
Reduces dual UPS power losses by 3-5% annually through a “load shifting” strategy
Saves rack space (Competing products have a 1U form factor and use rack space; the Zonit Micro ATS does not use any rack space)
Enables the easy relocation of data center equipment via “hot moves”
Significantly improves data center equipment uptime

How the Zonit μATS™-HV Saves Money

- Eliminates the need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices
- Saves data center rack space, which can be used for servers, routers, and switches
- Allows for the use of inexpensive filtered utility line power
- Enables increased power system efficiency
- Minimizes waste from UPS power conversion losses
- Built to last; can be re-used when a device is replaced with a newer generation of server, router, or switch
- Improves uptime

The Zonit μATS™-HV addresses the following needs faced by data centers:

1) Providing Redundant Power for Single-Power-Supply Devices

2) Efficient Power Distribution

3) Improving the Efficiency of Dual UPS’s in Data Centers

4) More Efficient Use of Data Center Rack Space

5) Facilitating “Hot Moves” of Data Center Equipment

“The low voltage model of the Zonit μATS™ was breakthrough technology in automatic transfer switches, and the new Zonit μATS™-HV model offers another level of redundant power in a much-needed high-voltage model ,” said Zonit Vice President of Sales Ric Lukasiewicz.

July 2011: Government Computer Reviews Zonit uATS - Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

Government Computer News- "GCN" LAB REVIEWS

"Double the power source, reliability with automatic transfer switch"

Author: John Breeden II directs the GCN Lab.

The product of the month for July is the Zonit Structured Solutions uATS Micro Automatic Transfer Switch. Because the July issue is all about computers and processors, we thought it would be nice to highlight a product that supports them.

The uATS switch looks like a weird power plug. There is a central block that pushes into the power intake on almost any server or desktop. Then there are two distinct cords that come off of it. One is labeled A for the primary source of power, and one is labeled B to be used as backup. The switch creates a redundant power supply for devices that do not have one already. Although it’s a little expensive at $319 for a single unit, or $7,560 for a 25 pack — which comes down to $302.40 per unit — setting up a system with a redundant power supply this way is a lot cheaper than having one built like that.

Ideally, you would plug the A source into one circuit and the B source into another. It does little good to have them both coming off the same power stream because B is your backup if A fails. Taken just as a splitter of power, this is a nice way to set up redundant power sources. You could even unplug one of the sources and hook it up to an extension cord to move the unit without having to power it down first.

But the switch from Zonit is more than just a dummy two-way plug with no intelligence. There is a surprising amount of power regulation that goes on inside. For example, if source A suddenly experiences a low stream of power, the plug will pull power from the B source in less than one power cycle to compensate, so no disruption is passed on to the valuable equipment it’s protecting. If the A source experiences a voltage overload or surge, it is cut off all together and the B source is used instead.

The plug is designed to always use the A source if power is available for it and of acceptable quality. That way, data center managers can plan their power management for each device; a real need at large facilities. Most of the time, if disrupted A source power is acceptable for six seconds, the B source will be ignored and the A source brought back into the device the plug is protecting.

Surprisingly, the plug does a good job of displaying what is going on. There are a row of LED lights along the back side, which sticks out from a protected device. A color-coded chart shows the various power conditions. Most of the time they will probably illuminate green, which indicates that power is coming from the A source with no problems. If the light is blue, it means that A is being ignored because of some problem — perhaps you unplugged it for a hot move — and B is being used instead but without any problems. There are other colors for different conditions, and a code on the side of the plug tells you what is what. The plug can even buzz if something really bad is going on, which might surprise you the first time it happens.

As a little bonus, the plug comes with metal tabs and plastic ties that can be used to lock it against a server it’s protecting. That won’t prevent someone from unplugging the two cords at the other end, but it will stop them from pulling it directly out from the server. With the security in place, the switch makes it so your redundant power supply truly is protected as a part of your overall power system.

Any device that can add a needed feature to a computer or server for less than the cost of putting it in originally is worthy of praise. And the Zonit Structured Solutions uATS Micro Automatic Transfer Switch fits that bill. Although skeptical at first, after extensive testing, we’ve decided to add them into the lab test bed to protect experiments in which the loss of power would mean the loss of a lot of test data.

July 9, 2011: Zonit Starts Shipments of uATS "Ultra-efficient Micro Automatic Transfer Switch"
For Data Centers & IT Networking Equipment

New small-footprint, “zero U,” extremely efficient automatic transfer switch provides redundant power for single-power-supply devices (servers, etc.); reduces power losses of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units; facilitates fast, easy “hot moves” of equipment from rack to rack in data centers

BOULDER, Colo., July 11, 2011 – Zonit Structured Solutions (www.zonit.com), a provider of data center products for “at-the-rack” data center infrastructure, today announced it has started customer shipments of its Micro Automatic Transfer Switch-LV (μATS™) – a feature-rich, affordable, ultra-small-form-factor (“zero U”) automatic power transfer switch for data centers of all types, networking closets, cable company field facilities, and more. Zonit is now shipping the LV, or low-voltage, model of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch (12- amp, 120-volt version).

The Zonit μATS-LV plugs directly into the back of single-power-supply devices (such as servers, routers, switches, cable TV management & signal distribution hardware, and more). It features two power cords and intelligent circuitry that monitors the power quality of the main power source. If the main “A-source” power quality becomes unacceptable, the Zonit μATS™ automatically switches over and draws power from the “B-source,” thus keeping the device to which it’s connected up and running. It is available for $320 in single-purchase; $3030.50 for a 10-pack, or $7,560.00 for a 25-pack.

The Zonit μATS™ is available through multiple Zonit channel partners. To purchase the product, call Zonit Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ric Lukasiewicz at 720.266.0056.

Benefits of the Zonit μATS:

- Provides convenient redundant power for single-power-corded devices
- Allows the usage of uniform A-B power everywhere in the data center (Eliminates the
- need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices)
- Enables 99%+ efficient power distribution designs for data centers
- Reduces dual UPS power losses by 3-5% annually through a “load shifting” strategy
- Saves rack space (Competing products have a 1U form factor and use rack space; the Zonit Micro ATS does not use any rack space)
- Enables the easy relocation of data center equipment via “hot moves”
- Significantly improves data center equipment uptime

How the Zonit μATS™ Saves Money

Eliminates the need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices
Saves data center rack space, which can be used for servers, routers, and switches
Allows for the use of inexpensive filtered utility line power
Enables increased power system efficiency
Minimizes waste from UPS power conversion losses
Improves uptime
Built to last; can be re-used when a device is replaced with a newer generation of server, router, or switch

“The Zonit μATS™ is a breakthrough in automatic transfer switch technology, and product

shipments of this new device mark a significant milestone for the company,” said Zonit

Chairman, President & Founder Bill Pachoud. “The Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch

offers an ultra small size, energy efficiency, unique features, and excellent price point. It will

be a valuable asset to data center managers, network managers, facilities managers, and

cable and satellite TV managers looking to improve uptime, and reduce energy costs.”

May 27, 2011: Z onit Structured Solutions Expands Senior Management Team

Boulder, Colo.-based technology company receives $500,000 in SBA financing; adds senior management in Sales/Marketing & Finance

BOULDER, Colo., April 27, 2011 – Zonit Structured Solutions (www.zonit.com), a developer of data center products primarily focused on power distribution and power management, today announced it has expanded the company’s management team, and added C-level executives in Sales/Marketing and Finance. The expansion of Zonit’s management team was facilitated by a recent addition of $500,000 in financing from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

William (Bill) Pachoud is Zonit’s chairman and founder, chief executive officer, and chief technology officer. Bob Heckathorn is Zonit’s director of manufacturing. Zonit Structured Solutions has added the following individuals to its senior management team:

Ric Lukasiewicz, Vice President of Sales & Marketing: Mr. Lukasiewicz has more than 25 years of sales and management experience, with a long history of notable successes. Prior to joining Zonit as VP of Sales and Marketing, Lukasiewicz owned many businesses plus held a variety of senior-level sales management and sales positions where he consistently was a top worldwide performer in generating sales, and developing sales teams, sales & distribution networks, and more. He has held management and positions with Meru Networks, Mu Security, Extreme Networks, 3Com, Arrow Electronics, and IBM.

Mike Corrigan, Chief Financial Officer: Mr. Corrigan has 30 years of experience in financial and operations management. He held the position of CFO of Visual Products Corporationwhen that company embarked on a roll-up of the sign manufacturing industry, acquiring four companies across the U.S. and Canada, and expanding the total revenue of the entity from $12 million to more than $70 million a year. Prior to this, he was the CFO for the Gordon Sign Company (a future subsidiary of Visual Products Corporation) and for Davis Audio Visual. He held the controller position while reporting directly to the president at Destron/IDI, a publicly held Canadian high-tech manufacturing company operating in Boulder, Colo. Here, he managed all accounting and financial issues, including creating and filing SEC Form 10 in order to become listed on the NASDAQ, and a joint venture with Hughes Aircraft for international manufacturing. Mr. Corrigan acquired his CPA license in the early days of his career as an auditor for Touche Ross & Co., and after earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance with an emphasis in accounting from University of Colorado at Boulder in 1980. “Zonit’s strong array of products and patented technologies targeted at reducing operating costs for data centers, as well as the recent additional of a half million dollars in financing from the SBA, position the company for solid growth in coming years,” said Bill Pachoud, Zonit chairman, founder, and chief technology officer. “We welcome Ric Lukasiwicz and Mike Corrigan to the Zonit senior management team.”

April 18, 2011: Zonit Receives UL Approval - New "Micro" Automatic Transfer Switch

BOULDER, Colo., April 18, 2011 – Zonit Structured Solutions (www.zonit.com), a provider of “to” and “at-the-rack” products for data centers in power management and rack management, today announced that it has received approval from the Underwriter’s Laboratory for its new Micro Automatic Transfer Switch (μATS™) – a feature-rich, affordable, ultra-small-form-factor, highly efficient (zero “U”) automatic power transfer switch for data centers.

The Zonit μATS™ takes no rack space, and provides redundant “A-B” power to single power-supply devices such as servers and routers. It also facilitates fast, easy “hot moves” of equipment – in the rack, from rack to rack, or from rack to off-site. In addition, the Zonit Micro ATS features an efficient design which uses only 125 mA (milli-amps) of energy, much less than 1U comparatively featured automatic transfer switches.

The Zonit μATS™ plugs directly into the back of single-power-supply devices (such as servers, routers, and switches), and it can be moved with the device for “hot moves.” It features two power cords and intelligent circuitry that monitors the power quality of the primary power source. If the primary “A-source” power quality becomes unacceptable, the Zonit μATS™ automatically switches over and draws power from the back-up “B-source,” thus keeping the device to which it’s connected up and running. The first Zonit μATS™ model is available in a 12-amp, 120-volt version.

“Receiving approval from Underwriter’s Laboratory is a significant milestone for Zonit, because we now can proceed to manufacturing,” said Zonit Chairman & Founder Bill Pachoud. “Response to this efficient device from customers and distributors has been very strong, and the UL approval was the last step needed to be able to manufacture and bring the Zonit Micro ATS to market.”

The Zonit μATS™ is available through multiple Zonit channel partners. To purchase the product, contact Zonit Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ric Lukasiewicz at 720.266.0056.

“This is a time when data center managers are being called upon to find every way possible to reduce operating expenses,” said Mr. Lukasiewicz. “The Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch will be a welcome addition to any data center that needs a cost-effective, energy-efficient way to provide redundant power to mission-critical servers and routers, or move equipment more efficiently.”

Benefits of the Zonit μATS™

• Provides convenient redundant power paths for single-power-corded devices

• Uses less energy than comparably featured automatic transfer switches

• Allows the usage of uniform A-B power everywhere in the data center (Eliminates the

need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices)

• Enables 99%+ efficient power distribution designs for data centers

• Can reduce dual UPS power losses by 3-5% annually through a “load shifting” strategy

that maximizes Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) usage efficiency

• Saves rack space (Competing products have a 1U form factor and use rack space; the

Zonit Micro ATS does not use any rack space)

• Enables the easy relocation of data center equipment via “hot moves”

• Significantly improves data center equipment uptime

How the Zonit μATS™ Saves Money

• Eliminates the need to buy a second power supply for single-power-supply devices

• Saves data center rack space, which can be used for servers, routers, and switches

• Allows for the use of inexpensive filtered utility line power

• Enables increased power system efficiency

• Minimizes waste from UPS power conversion losses

• Improves uptime

• Built to last; can be re-used when a device is replaced with a newer generation of server, router, or switch

March 17, 2011: Self-funded Zonit receives $500,000 in financing from Small Business Administration

October 4, 2010: Zonit Introduces Ultra-Efficient Micro Automatic Transfer Switch for Data Centers